Preparation and characterization of green bio-composites based on modified spinifex resin and spinifex grass fibres

Many researchers are now working on composites systems where the fibers and polymers are either totally or predominantly based on renewable materials. The aim of this study is to develop renewable resource-based composites based on spinifex fibers and a polyurethane matrix prepared primarily from spinifex resin. Chemically cleaned and cryo-ground spinifex grass fibres have been used as a reinforcing phase in thermoplastic polyurethane prepared from spinifex resin biopolymer. The morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of the prepared composites were characterized using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and tensile tests. The results obtained by various characterization techniques indicate that interfacial interaction between the spinifex grass fillers and the polyurethane matrix occurs and that the ground spinifex cellulose fillers act as promising reinforcement for the relatively weak polyurethane matrix synthesized from renewable spinifex plant resin products